The North Carolina Cannabis Association organized the annual Raleigh Marijuana Rally, March and Free Music Festival. Organizers said it was among about 300 events taking place worldwide this weekend.

"The rally is a fun and peaceful gathering through which pro-cannabis supporters from all backgrounds and political viewpoints can put aside their differences and come together to put an end to unfair and unjust cannabis laws," organizers wrote in a press release.

They urged the General Assembly to pass the Medical Marijuana Act, which stalled in the House health committee last spring.

The rally started at noon on the south lawn of the Capitol Building. Musical performances, an open-mic session and speeches were happening throughout the day.

Supporters planned to hold a parade through downtown Raleigh at 3 p.m.